Bumper year on the cards for Bracknell's Giving Tree Appeal

<antique christmas cardsp>The generosity of people in Bracknell means this year's Giving Tree Appeal could be the best yet with hundreds of disadvantaged children unwrapping a special gift on Christmas Day

Amanda Eversden, left, Sophia Neal, Jodie Anderson and Sandra Ward, right, with presents for the Giving Tree at Tesco, in County Lane, Warfield

A popular Christmas appeal run by The Bracknell Times has proved recession-proof with organisers celebrating a "bumper" year of giving.

The generosity of people in Bracknell means this year's Giving Tree Appeal could be the best yet with hundreds of disadvantaged children unwrapping a special gift on Christmas Day.

Gill Mckernan, who coordinates the appeal, said: "It really is a bumper year.

"All the tags are now out on the trees and the deadline for presents to be returned is Thursday, December 19.

"It has gone so well that I have no more tags to put out."

The appeal is designed to make sure children supported by participating charities enjoy a Christmas Day to remember.

Every tag placed on Giving Trees at shops and businesses around Bracknell has the details of a gift selected by a child in need.

Generous shoppers can select a tag, buy the gift and return it unwrapped to the tree.

Mrs Mckernan, who works at Barnardo's High Close School, and her team collect the presents and take them to the charities where they are given to the children to open on Christmas Day or at parties organised by each charity.

This year, children who are supported by Barnardo's/ Young Carers and Barnardo's Fostering and Adoption, Dingley Play Group, Transform Housing, Home Start, ASD Family Help and Berkshire County Blind Society, Wokingham Children's Services will receive Giving Tree gifts.

Helen Sharkey, an early years' practitioner at Dingley Play Centre in Wokingham, said the support of strangers was wonderful.

The centre helps children with additional needs from the Bracknell area from birth to their fifth birthday through specialised play.

She said: "The appeal brings excitement and joy. We have our Christmas party next week and Santa will come and hand out the presents.

"Often the people who have bought the gift will write a tag, and sometimes their own children write it so the present is from a child to a child.

"We have 25 children here who will get a gift but sometimes we are given extra so their siblings can have one too. It is wonderful to think a stranger has taken the time to think of our children."

Shoppers can pick up a tag at Tesco at Martins Heron and at Warfield and also at Zappas in Crowthorne.

All presents must be returned to the stores by Thursday, December 19.

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Panthers score late to beat Saints; Cowboys' win sets up Eagles showdown

<p>NFL ROUNDUP

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton scrambles from New Orleans Saints defensive linemen Cameron Jordan (94) and Tyrunn Walker (75) in the first half Sunday. (Mike McCarn / Associated Press / )

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Domenik Hixon with 23 seconds left Sunday to lift the Carolina Panthers to a 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints and clinch the team's first playoff berth since 2008.

Carolina (11-4) can wrap up the NFC South and a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win next Sunday at Atlanta.

The Panthers intercepted Drew Brees twice and sacked him six times to avenge a 31-13 loss two weeks ago.

Still, the Panthers needed some last-minute big plays from Newton to seal the win. After being held to 116 yards passing for the game's first 59 minutes, Newton led the Panthers 65 yards in 32 seconds for the go-ahead score.

The Saints (10-5) can still clinch a playoff berth if Arizona loses to Seattle.

New Orleans' road woes persist. The Saints have dropped five of their last six games away from the Superdome.

Cowboys 24, Redskins 23

LANDOVER, Md. -- Tony Romo threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to DeMarco Murray on fourth down with 1:08 remaining, giving the Dallas Cowboys a 24-23 win over the Washington Redskins and setting up a winner-take-all regular season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles next week for the NFC East title.

After a one-point, meltdown loss to the Green Bay Packers the previous week, the Cowboys nearly pulled a repeat - blowing a second-half lead after committing turnovers on back-to-back drives.

But Romo recovered and rallied the Cowboys from a nine-point, fourth-quarter deficit. He hit Murray after a long scramble as Dallas snapped a two-game skid - as well as a four-game losing streak in the month of December.

The Cowboys (8-7) host the Eagles next week for the division crown. The Redskins (3-12) have lost seven straight.

Bengals 42, Vikings 14

CINCINNATI -- Linebacker Vincent Rey returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown as Cincinnati's defense set up another fast start, and Andy Dalton threw four touchdown passes as the Bengals pulled away to a 42-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Bengals (10-5) remained perfect at home and could clinch an unprecedented third straight playoff appearance if Miami lost to Buffalo. They could clinch the AFC North title if Baltimore lost at home to New England later Sunday.

Something about Paul Brown Stadium brings out the best in Dalton. In his past four home games, Dalton has thrown for five, three, three and four touchdowns. The Bengals have topped 40 points in each of their past four home games, a club record.

The Vikings (4-10-1) had knocked off playoff contenders Chicago and Philadelphia in the past three weeks. Even with Adrian Peterson back from a foot injury, they couldn't keep up.

Bills 19, Dolphins 0

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Kyle Williams had two sacks as the Buffalo Bills set a single-season record and put a dent into the Miami Dolphins' playoff chances with a 19-0 win.

Fred Jackson had 111 yards rushing and scored on a 9-yard run, while the Bills limited the Dolphins to a season-low 103 yards offense and six first downs. The Bills (6-9) closed their home schedule with seven sacks for 56 this season, breaking their previous high of 50 during a 14-game season in 1964.

Dan Carpenter sealed the win by hitting four field goals, including a 45-yarder.

The Dolphins (8-7) had a three-game winning streak snapped and are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Miami needs help from other teams to have a shot, and closes the season hosting the New York Jets next weekend.

Jets 24, Browns 13

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Geno Smith threw two touchdown passes to David Nelson and ran for another score as the New York Jets topped the Cleveland Browns 24-13 on Sunday in their home finale.

With Rex Ryan's job status uncertain, it could have been the coach's last game in front of the home fans, and Smith helped make it a good one with a solid performance. The rookie quarterback had his first game with at least two TD passes since October and committed no turnovers.

Smith finished 20 of 36 for 214 yards and ran for 48 more. Chris Ivory had 109 yards on 20 carries for the Jets (7-8), who were eliminated from playoff contention last week.

Jason Campbell was intercepted twice as the Browns (4-11) lost their sixth straight. The offense was sluggish with star tight end Jordan Cameron sidelined with a concussion.

Rams 23, Buccaneers 13

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Zac Stacy rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown, and two other rookies also had big games for the St. Louis Rams in their 23-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Stedman Bailey scored on a 27-yard reverse, and Alec Ogletree forced two fumbles.

Robert Quinn had three of the seven sacks of Mike Glennon to give him an NFC-high 18, breaking Kevin Carter's franchise record of 17 sacks in 1999. The Rams (7-8) wore throwback jerseys from the '99 Super Bowl title season.

Ogletree stripped Bobby Rainey early in the second quarter, and Bailey scored his first career touchdown on the next snap on the reverse to put the Rams up for good at 14-7.

The Buccaneers (4-11) managed just 170 total yards, setting a season low for the second straight week. Vincent Jackson had five catches for 98 yards.

Titans 20, Jaguars 16

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Nate Washington scored on a 30-yard reception in the fourth quarter, Tennessee got a much-needed defensive stop late and the Titans ended a three-game losing streak with a 20-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Titans (6-9) overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half and won for just the third time since September.

Washington made several key plays, none bigger than when he slipped behind Alan Ball for the go-ahead score. He finished with six catches for 117 yards.

The Jaguars (4-11) were in position to take the lead after that, but Ropati Pitoitua stuffed Maurice Jones-Drew on a fourth-and-1 play at the Tennessee 20 with 5:21 remaining.

It was the seventh fourth-down attempt in a fairly entertaining game, one of three on this weekend's NFL schedule with no playoff implications. The highlight of the game came when Jacksonville got retiring center Brad Meester his first career reception.

Holiday Happenings

ONGOING

Holiday on the River Concert and DanceSeries, through Sunday, The Jacksonville Landing. Features live performances by area schools, churches and dance groups during lunch and in the evenings. Free. (904) 353-1188 or jacksonvillelanding.com.

■ Friday - Students of Nashville Vocal Coach, 6:15 p.m.; Scott Jones School of Dancer, 7:15 p.m.; Sophisticated Gents, 8:15 p.m.

■ Saturday - Ballet Arts Center, noon; Linda Nelson Voices of Victory, 1 p.m.; Dulce Anaya School of Ballet, 2 p.m.; I AM International, 3 p.m.; Fabulous Footwork Dance Studio, 4 p.m.; First Coast Christian Center Music, 5 p.m.; Switzerland Dance School, 6:15 p.m.; Dynamics Dance, 7:15 p.m.; Sierra Hodge, 8:15 p.m.

■ Sunday - First Coast Kids, 3 p.m.; River City All Stars Dance Team, 4 p.m.; North Florida Twirling Academy. 5 p.m.; Changing Hearts Ministry, 6:15 p.m.; Essence Sherrise Wimes, 7:15 p.m.; Dazzling Diamonds, 8:15 p.m.

The Christmas Holiday House, presented by the Palatka Art League, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, The Tilghman House, 324 River St., Palatka. "Cooking As An Art" cookbook, $12, buy one get one free, to benefit the Art Scholarship Fund. Raffle tickets, $1 each or six for $5. (386) 325-8750 or palatkaartleague.com.

Christmas on the Square, 6-10 p.m. through Tuesday, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Includes a drive-through lights extravaganza, a Crafts Village, a walking tour, Santa and his elves, puppets and live entertainment. (386) 364-1683 or musicliveshere.com.

"Christmas Carole," meal 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m. Friday; meal 11:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., show 1:15 and 8 p.m. Saturday; meal 12:15 and 6:30 p.m., show 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday; meal 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m. Tuesday; Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 anna griffin christmas cards Blvd. Collecting toys for the Daniel Home for Children, Wolfson's Children's Hospital and several shelters. Tickets start at $46 for adults, $35 children. Reservations, (904) 641-1212 or alhambrajax.com.

Sawgrass Tour of Trees, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 1, TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse, 103 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Free admission. (904) 273-3235 or tpc.com/sawgrass.

Synchronized Nightly Tree Light Shows, on the hour 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays, through Jan. 1, The Jacksonville Landing. Features holiday songs during a 10-minute synchronized light show. (904) 353-1188 or jacksonvillelanding.com.

Festival of Lights, evenings to 9 p.m. through Jan. 3, drive-through only Tuesday, closed Christmas Day, Stephen Foster State Park, U.S. 41 N., White Springs. Includes Santa, snow, a gingerbread village, a candy cane forest, an antebellum museum and decorated oak trees. $3 a person. (386) 397-2733

"Deck the Chairs" Exhibit as part of the Beaches Winter Lights Festival, evenings through Jan. 4, Latham Plaza, downtown Jacksonville Beach. Light display features the iconic red chairs of The American Red Cross Life Saving Corps. facebook.com/deckthechairs.

Ripley's Holiday Happenings, 6-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, through Jan. 5, Ripley's Believe It or Not, 254 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Friday and Saturday nights include Santa, a free gift for kids, holiday movies on the big screen, family-friendly activities and a free pair of Santa's magic viewing glasses. $7 adults, $4 children. ripleys.com/redtrains.

Jax Illuminations drive-through holiday lights display to benefit area charities, 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 5, Morocco Shrine Center, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Road S. Tune car radio Jax Illuminations station for music to go with the lights. Includes "Name Next Year's Light Show" and "Design a Display" contests for children. $20 per carload during the week, $25 on the weekend. (904) 316-5673 or jaxilluminations.com.

"The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays," 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. Show continues 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27-28, 2 p.m. Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 2-4, 2 p.m. Jan. 5. $25 adults, $22 seniors 62 and older, $20 students and active military. (904) 829-5807 or limelight-theatre.org.

WinterFest, various times through Jan. 12, Adventure Landing, 1944 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. Includes an ice rink, ice shows, snow, an ice slide, light display, train rides, Santa's Workshop and pictures with Santa. Free admission; ice skating and skate rental $13. (904) 246-4386 or jaxwinterfest.com.

Night of Lights, through Jan. 31, Plaza de la Constitucion, 10 Cathedral Place, across from the Bridge of Lions, downtown St. Augustine. floridashistoriccoast.com/nights.

FRIDAY

Historic Weapon Demonstration, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Castillo de San Marcos, 1 S. Castillo Drive, across from St. George Street, St. Augustine. National Parks Service volunteers and personnel demonstrate the weapons and relate the experiences of the Colonial Spanish soldier stationed in St. Augustine in the 1740s. Fort is open 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m. $7 adults, children 15 and younger get in free. (904) 829-6506, ext. 233.

The Gingerbread House Extravaganza, presented by the Jacksonville Historical Society, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Old St. Andrew's, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., across from Veterans Memorial Arena. Includes themed holiday trees by Junior League of Jacksonville. $5 adults, $3 children; parking free. (904) 665-0064.

Teen Holiday Party, 2-6 p.m., Ponte Vedra branch library, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Includes video gaming, a white elephant exchange (bring a wrapped gift $5 or less), making holiday cards for senior citizens and pizza. (904) 827-6950 or sjcpls.org.

"The Santa Clause," for children 6-12, 3-5 p.m., West Regional branch library, 1425 Chaffee Road S. Includes holiday crafts - an origami Santa and a reindeer ornament.(904) 693-1448.

Christmas Trail Hayride, 6:30-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Son Rise Baptist Church, 14652 Normandy Blvd. (904) 289-9940.

Cosmic Concerts, Laser Holiday, 7 and 8 p.m.; U2, 9 p.m.; Queen, 10 p.m.; Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle. $5 per person per show, laser glasses $1. (904) 396-6674 or moshplanetarium.org.

"Eb Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol," 7:30 p.m. Friday (with sign language interpreter), 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Florida State College at Jacksonville's South Campus, Wilson Center, 11901 Beach Blvd. $22 adults; $17.50 children, seniors and military; $12.50 FSCJ students/staff with valid ID. (904) 646-2222 or artistseriesjax.org.

"A Christmas Carol," 8 p.m., Times-Union Center, 300 Water St. $26.50-$46.50 adults, $12.75-$22.75 children 12 and younger. (904) 442-2929 or artistseriesjax.org.

"The Santaland Diaries," 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Riverside House, 2623 Herschel St. $20. swampradiojax.com.

Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Orange Park Community Theatre, 2900 Moody Ave. $20. (904) 276-2599 or opct.org.

"Songs For a New World," 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre performing at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. $20. (904) 249-7177 or abettheatre.com.

SATURDAY

J.P. Hall Children's Charities Christmas Party to benefit underprivileged children in Clay County, for children from newborn to 14 years, 8 a.m.-noon, Clay County Fairgrounds, 2497 Florida 16 W., Green Cove Springs. Children receive a bag of new toys, based on age and gender, and can also select one gently-used toy. Must have proof of residency. (904) 860-8739 or jphallcharities.com.

Art Fest, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Waldo Farmers and Flea Market, 17805 U.S. 301, Waldo. Includes arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, raffles, exhibits, demonstrations, face painting and live music. Bring a donation for Toys For Tots. (352) 468-2255 or waldoflea.com.

Nocatee Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nocatee Farmers Market Field, 245 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Features a

Christmas Festival, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nocatee Farmers Market, 245 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, train rides, bounce houses, crafts and vendors. Free admission. (904) 924-6858 or nocatee.com.

"The Polar Express," 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Beaches Museum and History Park, 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Baech. Free. beachesmuseum.org.

Riverside Arts Market, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 715 Riverside Ave. Includes arts and crafts, fresh fruits and vegetables and live entertainment. Features the fifth anniversary Season Closing Day. riversideartsmarket.com.

Kids Christmas Party, presented by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Turner Ace Hardware, 784 Marsh Landing Parkway. Includes a free picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free hots dogs, drinks, crafts, games, music, face painting, fingerprinting and emergency vehicles on display. (904) 247-6193.

Santa's Storybook Tea, noon, Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. Features a fireside holiday storybook read by Santa, an afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, candy, cakes and a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. $49 adults, $10 children 6 and older. (904) 277-1100 or ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.

"An Angel's Point of View, Part II," Wayman Ministries Community Christmas Fellowship, noon-3 p.m., Wayman Academy of the Arts gymnasium, 1176 Labelle St. Includes music, food and a toy giveaway. (904) 739-7500, 693-1503 or wayman.org.

Musket Firing Demonstration, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Fort Matanzas, 8635 Florida A1A, 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Re-enactors fire flintlock muskets. Admission free, includes ferry ride to and from the island. (904) 471-0116 or nps.gov/foma.

Handel's "Messiah," rehearsal, 1 p.m. Saturday, program 4 p.m. Sunday, Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, 3026 Woodlawn Road. Bring a copy of "The Messiah" if you own one or have access to one. (904) 768-5905.

"A Christmas Carol," as Part of Movie Madness for teens and tweens, 2 p.m., Main Library, 303 N. Laura St. (904) 630-2665.

"The Nutcracker," performed by the St. Augustine Ballet, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Flagler College's Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. $25, $30. (904) 824-1746 or saintaugustineballet.com.

"Holiday in the Woods," 4-6 p.m., Faver-Dykes State Park, 1000 Faver Dykes Road, St. Augustine. Includes arts and crafts, music, hot cocoa and s'mores. $5 per vehicle, up to eight people; $4 for individuals.(386) 446-6783 or floridastateparks.org.

Candlelight display, presented by Salvia Garden Circle, dusk, entrances into the neighborhood at Mount Vernon Drive and Hyde Grove Avenue and Old Middleburg Road and Hanson Drive South.

Christmas in Old St. Augustine (Navidad En El Viejo San Augustin), 6-9 p.m., Mission Nombre de Dios, 27 Ocean Ave., St. Augustine. Includes living historians, a procession for children re-enactment of Mary and Joseph searching for lodgings in Bethlehem, a performance of "The Play of the Three Wise Kings," refreshments treats, live entertainment and a traditional nativity scene. (877) 352-4478, floridalivinghistory.org or missionandshrine.org.

"It's a Wonderful Life" Dinner and a Movie, as part of "A December to Remember" 7 p.m., St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 Florida A1A S. (904) 471-1965 or staugamphitheatre.com.

"The Gift," 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Greater Love Ministries, 555 Florida 16, St. Augustine. Free. (904) 217-0648.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra with Handel's "Messiah," 8 p.m., Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 W. Water St. Features soprano Mary Wilson, soprano, mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala, tenor Jason Ferrante, bass Matt Boehler and the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus. $25-$72. (904) 354.5547 or jaxsymphony.org.

SUNDAY

Celtic Carols and French Noels: A Christmas Concert, 2 p.m., St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 Florida A1A S., St. Augustine. Features choirs and ensembles of the church with guest instrumentalists and soloists, the select children's choir and sing-a-long carols. $10 donation requested. (904) 471-5364.

Celtic Christmas Sing-along with the Community Chorus, as part of "A December to Remember," 5 p.m., St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 Florida A1A S. (904) 471-1965 or staugamphitheatre.com.

Live Nativity, 6-8 p.m., Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Penman Road, Neptune Beach. Features a drive-through Nativity of the front lawn of the church. Includes live animals and music. Donations to benefit the church's various ministries. (904) 249-5370 or neptunebeach-umc.org.

MONDAY

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas," as part of Christmas Movie and Craft library program, 2 p.m., Main Library, 303 N. Laura St. Film followed by making a Grinchy craft. (904) 630-2665.

DEC. 27

Winter Wonderland for children 6-12, 2-4 p.m., FEatures a life-sized board game and other activities. Webb Wesconnett branch, 6887 103rd St. (904) 778-7305.

"New Year's Eve," as part of Teen Movie Night, 3 p.m., South Mandarin branch library, 12125 San Jose Blvd. Includes refreshments. (904) 288-6385.

Live music by Cupid's Alley, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., The Jacksonville Landing. (904) 353-1188 or jacksonvillelanding.com.

DEC. 28

Markland House Tour, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Flagler College's Markland House, 74 King St., St. Augustine. $12. Reservations, (904) 823-3378 or legacy.flagler.edu.

Library holiday fun: "The Nightmare Before Christmas," as Part of Movie Madness for teens and tweens, 2 p.m.; "Let it Snow" puppet play which explains why Jacksonville doesn't get snow, 2 and 3 p.m.; Main Library, 303 N. Laura St. (904) 630-2665.

"The Soulful Nutcracker" to benefit scholarship and community programs, presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gamma Rho Omega Chapter, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Times-Union Center for Performing Arts, 300 W. Water St. Incorporates African dance, ballet, hip-hop and jazz. Matinee, $25-$50; evening, $30-$75. (904) 768-2255 or eventbrite.com.

Live music by Spanky the Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Jacksonville Landing. (904) 353-1188 or jacksonvillelanding.com.

DEC. 29

Live music by Steve and Ken Duo, 4-8 p.m., The Jacksonville Landing. (904) 353-1188 or jacksonvillelanding.com.

DEC. 30

St. Augustine Beach Blast-off 2014, 2-10 p.m. Dec. 30-31, St. Augustine Beach Pier Park. Includes a chili cook-off, live music, a kid's zone, vendors, dancing and music headliner Seven Nations. The fireworks display to music is at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Florida A1A Beach Boulevard will be closed from Pope Road to 16th Street, 3-11 p.m. Dec. 31. (904) 501-4556 or beachblastoff.com.

Live music by Boogie Freaks, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Jacksonville Landing. (904) 353-1188 or jacksonvillelanding.com.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Noon Year's Eve Party, 11 a.m., Main Library, 303 N. Laura St. Includes games and crafts for all ages. (904) 630-2665.

New Year's Eve Balloon Drop, 11 a.m.-noon, The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way. Includes pizza, a bubble-wrap room, holiday music and crafts. Balloon drop is at noon. No pets or strollers. $5 nonmembers, $15 family of four; members get in free. (904) 280-0614, ext. 204, or ccpvb.org.

Crafts for Kids, 2 p.m., Beaches branch library, 600 Third St., Neptune Beach. Includes making New Year's Eve noise makers. (904) 241-1141.

Music and fireworks, live music by Radio 80, 6-10 p.m. and live music by Sun Jammer, 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m., The Jacksonville Landing; fireworks, midnight, over the St. Johns River, seen from The Landing, the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks and Metropolitan Park. (904) 353-1188 or jacksonvillelanding.com.

Denim and Diamonds New Year's Eve, featuring "Pump Boys and Dinettes - a Musical Comedy," meal 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m., Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd. Includes music by The Traveling River Band, dancing, champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, all followed by an "After Midnight Breakfast Buffet." $125 a person. Reservations, (904) 641-1212 or alhambrajax.com.

Celebration, 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m., dinner 8 p.m., Casa Marina Hotel, 691 First St. N., Jacksonville Beach. $100 a person, age 21 and older only. (904) 270-0025.

Masquerade Ball, doors open 5 p.m., party 8 p.m., The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, 4.5 miles north of Live Oak. Includes music by the Justin Case Band, a buffet of finger foods, a masquerade costume contest with prizes, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Reservations, (386) 364-1683.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra with Toast to the New Year, 8:30 p.m., Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 W. Water St. Features vocalist Mike Eldred, and live dance music following the concert. $75-$150. (904) 354.5547 or jaxsymphony.org.

New Years Eve with Gregg Allman and JJ Grey with Mofro, 9 p.m., Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St. $53, $83, $103; raffle tickets, $20, for two tickets to every show at the Florida Theatre in 2014. (904) 355-2787 or floridatheatre.com.

The Golf Ball New Year's Eve Celebration to benefit 26.2 with Donna, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Includes live entertainment by ProBono and a champagne toast at midnight. Attire is resort casual. $25 a person. breastcancermarathon.com, search golf ball.

Black and White Masquerade Ball, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. Includes food, live music, dancing and fireworks. Masks provided or bring your own. $195 a person, adults only. (904) 277-1100 or ritzcarlton.com.

JAN. 1

First Day Hike "Take a Walk on the Wild Side," 9-11 a.m., Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine. Walk is 2.5 miles round trip; partial walk possible. Bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray and sunscreen. (904) 461-2033 or floridastateparks.org.

Fax to (904) 359-4478 or email events@jacksonville.com. Complete listing at jacksonville.com/calendars. To put your event in the free online calendar, go to events.jacksonville.com.

Near-record lows, more snow coming for weather-beaten Midwest, Northeast

Parts of the Midwest and the Northeast can't catch a break from wintry weather - even though winter hasn't officially started - as a fast-moving low-pressure system moving in Monday from Canada brought more dangerously low temperatures and new snow on the tail of the weekend's major winter storm.

"It's just one after another. It's kind of a parade of snow marching across the country," said Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at the weather channel.

The "Alberta Clipper" system, named for its origins out of the Canadian province, is accompanied by light snow, strong winds and extremely colder temperatures. Manitowish Waters in northern Wisconsin dropped to 26 degrees below zero early Monday, and similarly bone-chilling conditions were recorded across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

Lows are expected to stay stuck in that zone at least through Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

A Wisconsin man was being treated for hypothermia after he was stranded when he rammed his snowmobile into a lakefront ice shelf in Calumet County, NBC station WGBA of Green Bay reported.

A state plane had to be called out to help find the 33-year-old man as ground-based rescue crews were nearly blinded by white-out snow Sunday afternoon.

The icebox that is the Upper Midwest is turned down to its lowest setting in more than 40 years, the National Weather Service said. The average high for the week of Dec. 6 in many parts of Minnesota was 6 degrees - the lowest since 1972, when gas cost 36 cents a gallon.

Steven Senne / AP

Overnight lows dropped well below zero, to temperatures that can freeze exposed skin in as little as five minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Parts of Ohio were shivering in high temperatures 15 degrees below normal, in the lower 20s. The Weather Channel forecast light to moderate snow Monday in the Lower Midwest and Tuesday in the Northeast, with accumulations of less than 5 inches in most highly populated areas affected by the Clipper.

Milwaukee and Chicago were forecast to receive "pretty minor" bands of snow Monday, within the 1- to 3-inch range.

New York City, fresh off 5 inches of snow Saturday, was predicted to see another couple of inches Tuesday, with up to 5 inches in parts of Boston. Coastal and eastern Maine were expected to see the heaviest snowfall.

Get the latest weather news and your local forecast

Erdman said the additional snow would continue to affect roads and commutes. In most of the areas hit by the weekend snowstorm, temperatures Monday were expected to remain below freezing but still high enough for salt to diminish icy conditions on roads before the new system moved in.

But in hard-hit areas like Upstate New York and northern New England, temperatures Monday were in the teens or the single digits.

"There's not much salt can do there," Erdman said.

"The impact in the Northeast will be felt during tomorrow morning's rush hour," he said, adding that parts of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and most of New York's five boroughs would see falling snow and slick travel conditions Tuesday morning.

Temperatures were expected to keep dropping through the afternoon into the night in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, with coastal areas dipping below well zero overnight.

The bigger problem is strong winds that will create dangerously low wind-chill conditions, said Jim Brown of the National Weather Service office in Gray, Maine. For the second straight night, winds will make it feel like 30 to 40 degrees below zero in the mountains after wind chills that plummeted as low as minus-57 Sunday night in Mount Washington, N.H.

The latest storm comes on the heels of a weekend bout that dumped on the Northeast, leaving more than a foot of snow in some places.

Not everyone was complaining. Sixteen inches of snow fell on Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vt., allowing the ski resort to open 91 trails. Most New England resorts are open for skiing and riding 10 days before Christmas.

"We have been watching [the forecast] since people first started talking about it on Monday or Tuesday," said Ethan Austin, a spokesman for the Sugarloaf Ski Resort in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. "We're pretty psyched."

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Harper Card Posted To Awkward Family Photos Site

The Harper family's official Christmas card has been posted on a website mocking hilariously awkward family photos.

The PM's annual holiday card began arriving in mailboxes late last month. The image on the front shows the smiling faces of Harper, his two kids and his wife Laureen, who is holding their pet chinchilla, Charlie.

And it's apparently the cute, furry animal that makes this awkward. At least to one person.

Someone uploaded the image to awkwardfamilyphotos.com on November 20, where readers are encouraged to poke fun at those mortifying family photos from the past we all try our antique christmas cards to forget.

"Yes, that is the Prime Minister of Canada and yes, his wife is holding a chinchilla," reads the description.

But it seems not everyone agrees that the shot meets the criteria of truly awkward, especially when you take a gander at some of the shots in the site's "hall of fame."

"I don't find this at all awkward. Canadians of all political stripes know that the Harpers have fostered animals for years (and the chinchilla is rescued). This Christmas card made all of our Canadian newspapers, and it's certainly far less awkward than those repulsive Kardashians," wrote one viewer.

"This is the most NOT AWKWARD picture I've seen on here," wrote another. "Nothing awkward with holding a family pet."

Another expressed disappointment that, thanks to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, "all of our loser politicians are getting global press now."

Of course, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau also sent out cards wishing Canadians the best for the holiday season.

Trudeau's featured a collage of his family on the front, and a shot of a snowball fight with his kids inside.

Mulcair has got some work to do to catch up with Justin Trudeau's christmas card. pic.twitter.com/1vZBWP9Erq

- MG (@WorkingCollar) December 11, 2013

Just received my Holiday card from @JustinTrudeau & his lovely wife Sophie! #liberal #support #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/tCGlwsw7eO

- alexis kleiman (@alexiskleiman) December 9, 2013

While Mulcair went a more traditional route with a photo of the NDP leader and his wife.

Here's #NDP @ThomasMulcair's christmas card, photographed in his Parliament Hill office #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/XE6pdYRxTF

- Richard Madan (@RichardMadan) December 11, 2013

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New And Exclusive Micro-Site Content

ePHOTOzine's Micro-Site Roundup - Find out what's been happening on our five Micro-Sites.

Posted:

Here's a roundup of the exclusive content we've got for you to have a read of on our five micro-sites this week:

On PENTAXPORTAL this week, you can take a look at some top tips for photographing seals with your Pentax camera, and check out some top Pentax sunset photos. Plus, the brand new K-3 DSLR has been reviewed on site this week, and there's news of new images from Ricoh Imaging brand ambassadors.

Over On EIZO ColorZone, you can learn how to perform a monitor viewing angle check and find out why ColorNavigator software is a great tool for aiding calibration. Plus, there's news of a new 3D CG colour management handbook that's now available.

Meanwhile, on Olympus Image Space this week, there are techniques on how to use blur creatively, and there's news on Olympus workshops taking place over the coming months with Damian McGillicuddy and Steve Gosling. Plus, news on the Olympus Impressions 'Fall' competition, and £100 accessory cashback when you buy an Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera have also gone live.

On Totally Tamron this week, you can learn some top tips for taking better photos of ice with your Tamron lens, plus there are some top Tamron portrait photos for you to take a look at. Don't forget to take a look at David Pritchard's blog the days zoom past, too, as he's been out-and-about with his newly acquired Tamron 24-70mm lens.

Last but not least, on Nikon Nation this week, you can check out some ideas and tips for on location portrait shoots, get creative with colour balance and lots more. Plus, don't miss the Nikon D5300 Cheap DSLR review and news of ono-to one training with Nikon School in December.

Make sure you check back to the Micro-Sites regularly, as new and exclusive content is posted weekly!

Source: Ephotozine

New And Exclusive Micro-Site Content

ePHOTOzine's Micro-Site Roundup - Find out what's been happening on our five Micro-Sites.

Posted:

Here's a roundup of the exclusive content we've got for you to have a read of on our five micro-sites this week:

On PENTAXPORTAL this week, you can take a look at some top tips for photographing seals with your Pentax camera, and check out some top Pentax sunset photos. Plus, the brand new K-3 DSLR has been reviewed on site this week, and there's news of new images from Ricoh Imaging brand ambassadors.

Over On EIZO ColorZone, you can learn how to perform a monitor viewing angle check and find out why ColorNavigator software is a great tool for aiding calibration. Plus, there's news of a new 3D CG colour management handbook that's now available.

Meanwhile, on Olympus Image Space this week, there are techniques on how to use blur creatively, and there's news on Olympus workshops taking place over the coming months with Damian McGillicuddy and Steve Gosling. Plus, news on the Olympus Impressions 'Fall' competition, and £100 accessory cashback when you buy an Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera have also gone live.

On Totally Tamron this week, you can learn some top tips for taking better photos of ice with your Tamron lens, plus there are some top Tamron portrait photos for you to take a look at. Don't forget to take a look at David Pritchard's blog the days zoom past, too, as he's been out-and-about with his newly acquired Tamron 24-70mm lens.

Last but not least, on Nikon Nation this week, you can check out some ideas and tips for on location portrait shoots, get creative with colour balance and lots more. Plus, don't miss the Nikon D5300 Black Friday Deal DSLR review and news of ono-to one training with Nikon School in December.

Make sure you check back to the Micro-Sites regularly, as new and exclusive content is posted weekly!

Source: Ephotozine

Nikon finally adds built-in Wi-Fi to its DSLR line-up with the D5300

<Nikon D5300 Offersp>

As cameras all around them have gained built-in wireless capabilities, Nikon DSLRs have begun to feel strangely dated with their need for an additional Wi-Fi adapter to keep up with their wireless sharing and remote shooting counterparts. But with the freshly announced D5300, Nikon has finally revealed its first DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.

The Nikon D5300 is an update to the mid-range D5200 which was released last year and arguably closes the gap to the enthusiast-targeted D7100. While it still features a 24 megapixel DX format (23.5 x 15.6 mm) APS-C CMOS sensor, and a 39-point autofocus system with nine cross-type sensors, the D5300 has now been designed without an optical low-pass filter to enable it to capture a greater level of detail than equally megapixeled cameras.

It's also been upgraded to use the Nikon EXPEED 4 image processing engine which enables a larger ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600 equivalent) though the camera still has a top continuous burst speed of 5 frames per second. Other improvements include the flipping, tilting and turning LCD on the rear which now measures 3.2 inches and has a 1037K dot resolution. Full HD 1080p video can now also be recorded at 60/50 fps and a new pentamirror increases viewfinder magnification to approx. 0.82x.

But it's the built-in Wi-Fi ability which will arguably be seen as the biggest improvement over the D5200, which required the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. Wireless functions in the Nikon D5300 include the ability to transfer images without interrupting your shooting, and to manually select the files you want to send to a phone or tablet for instant sharing.

There's also the option to use an iOS or Android device as a remote monitor or controller for things like adjusting focusing and shutter control when not directly with the camera. This can be handy for things like shooting group pictures with yourself in, or just times when awkward camera positioning would make it too difficult to use on-camera controls. Built-in GPS also means images can be geotagged with latitude, longitude, and altitude data, without the use of external adapters.

Measuring 125 x 98 x 76 mm (4.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches) and weighing 530 g (1 lb 2.7 oz) the D5300 is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Nikon says this is because it's used a newly developed monocoque-structure with carbon fiber reinforced plastic material for the camera body, allowing it to be both more compact and durable.

The Nikon D5300 will be available in black, red or gray in November. It's due to sell for US$800 body-only, or $1,400 with a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR kit lens.

Product page: Nikon D5300

Simon is a journalist and photographer who has spent the last ten years working for national UK newspapers - but has never hacked a mobile phone - and specializes in writing about weird products and photography technology. When not writing for Gizmag, Simon is often found playing with LEGO and drinking far too much coffee. All articles by Simon Crisp

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Nikon D5300 hands-on review

Nikon Nikon D5300 Coupons at a glance:

• 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor
• 1.037-million-dot, 3.2in, 170° LCD screen
• Expeed 4 image processor
• 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors
• ISO 100-25,600
• Price £730 body only

Nikon D5300 - Introduction

While the serious enthusiast is unlikely to be swayed into buying a Nikon DSLR over a Canon model purely because the Nikon camera is newer, the reality is that at the non-premium end of the market this is how some people make their buying decisions. 'Newer' must mean 'better'.

This demand for the 'new' explains why we see such short product cycles in the camera market, and why manufacturers feel the need to introduce even small advances in technology or feature sets in cameras with completely new names - rather than a 'Mark II' type of naming format.

Those familiar with Nikon's range of DSLRs may not see the sense in the company's introduction of the new D5300, especially as Nikon will maintain the D5200 alongside this model in the range - new and old together. By doing so, though, Nikon expands the number of cameras it has on offer and the number of price points it can cover, while also being able to have a model that can carry a 'New' sticker, and which introduces new features to the price band in which it will sit.

That's not to say that the Nikon D5300 isn't different to the D5200, though, as a new processor, new body design and the integration of wireless communications do genuinely bring additional benefits to the photographer.

Nikon D5300 - Design and handling

Nikon is very pleased that it has achieved a new way of constructing camera bodies, which it describes as a 'monocoque'. Instead of there being a chassis, onto which the components and the body shell are attached, the D5300 is designed to have everything screwed to the insides of the body form itself: exoskeleton, rather then the usual endoskeleton.

Image: The top of the camera houses only a few control points, keeping the layout simple and unintimidating for newcomers. A stereo microphone lives in front of the hotshoe

The D5300's body shell is also made of a new material, although Nikon won't say what that new material is - just that it is new. The upshot is that the body is less heavy than it might have been, and is 25g lighter, including the battery, than the camera it doesn't replace, the D5200.

I'm not entirely sure that when I used the camera I could appreciate the exact weight loss that has occurred, but I was able to enjoy the fact that this is truly a lightweight DSLR, of the type that we might not mind carrying all day, over the shoulder, in a bag or in a large pocket. The body is very small too, although it is balanced with a reassuringly large grip for the right hand. It seems ironic that a small and light camera should need a large grip, but I found it allowed me to be aware I was carrying the camera, and should a larger lens be attached it will help to support the forward pull of such a weight distribution.

Image: The body styling will be familiar to those used to the Nikon 5000 series, as will the standard menu. The 3.2in flip-out screen has impressive visibility

The buttons are arranged much as one might expect, with all the principal controls falling easily to the finger or thumb. The rear 3.2in LCD is very nicely bright and clear, with its 1.037-million-dot resolution. Nikon has set the viewing panel into the glass screen, so there are no gaps or internal reflections, which produces good contrast and a clear view from a quoted angled of up to 170°. I am impressed.

In live view, the screen works well when the camera is held low or high, and I found the AF quick enough and seemingly accurate. The response of the shutter in live view also seems good.

Image: Nikon has retained its choice of layouts for the rear-screen display, with text-based and graphically expressed options to suit personal preferences

Nikon D5300 - Still to test

The principal changes in this model are of the sort that will only be proved in testing, but at this stage their potential is worth pointing out. Using the higher-capacity Expeed 4 processor, Nikon claims it has been able to reduce noise in its images through the use of more complicated calculations. A related benefit is that now noise levels are lower the company is comfortable offering a higher ISO setting - the Nikon D5300 allows ratings of up to ISO 25,600. More complex calculations also provide the potential for better white balance assessment in automatic modes via a more comprehensive assessment of the scene, and a better rendition of colour overall.

Lower noise should also lead to better resolution of detail from the 24.2-million-pixel sensor, as should Nikon's decision to do without the micro-blurring effects of a low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter. Leaving the low-pass filter off the sensor has become very fashionable, and I suspect it will be a great draw for many photographers. Moiré in images created by a sensor with 24 million pixels, even an APS-C-sized sensor, is still something that is quite likely to occur, but there is also plenty of software to correct it after the event.

The other thing to note is that this model sees the introduction of a new battery cell, which Nikon says increases capacity from 500 shots to 600 compared to the cell used in the D5200. It annoys me when companies change their battery forms, but on this occasion the new cell and that used in the D5200 are interchangeable.

Obviously, I couldn't test the battery life of the camera, but we should take the increase as good news. I will also have to wait to test the Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities of this new model, but neither can be held as negative points just for their inclusion. The Wi-Fi integration means users will be able to control the camera from an Android or iOS device, and will be able to wirelessly transfer images for viewing, editing and sending while on the go.

Image: The new battery, which is backwards compatible with the D5200, offers a longer life. There is no low-pass filter on the sensor, for extra resolution

Nikon D5300 - Conclusion

It would be easy to dismiss the Nikon D5300 for being too similar to the D5200, but that really isn't the point. There is not much wrong with the D5200, and the changes that this new model brings can only make it better. Perhaps Nikon could have called it the D5200 ll, but I'm not sure it matters one bit.

The Nikon D5300 will cost around £730 body only and be available from 14 November.

Source: Amateurphotographer

Nikon D5300 specs, features, and price

<Nikon D5300 Discountimg src="http://www.associatednews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/nik530.jpg">

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D5300, the first Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera to offer built-in Wi-Fi and GPS functions.

The Nikon D5300 will be available November-mid onwards across India in Black, Red and Grey color variants at an MRP of Rs. 54,450 for the body only, Rs. 59,950 with 18-55mm VR lens, and Rs. 75,950 with 18-140mm VR lens.

The Nikon D5300 features an effective pixel count of 24.2-megapixels and a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor. Measuring 125 x 98 x 76 mm (4.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches) and weighing 530 g (1 lb 2.7 oz) the D5300 is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

The D5300′s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity feature can be used for transmitting images to a smart device for sharing as well as for remote shooting.

Built-in GPS also means images can be geotagged with latitude, longitude, and altitude data, without the use of external adapters. Full HD 1080p video can now also be recorded at 60/50 fps and a new pentamirror increases viewfinder magnification to approx. 0.82x.

Speaking on the announcement, Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India said that the D5300 features Nikon's latest innovative technologies, allowing users to instantly shoot, store and share images.

Sajjan Kumar, Vice President-Imaging, Nikon India, elaborated explaining that It's also been upgraded to use the Nikon EXPEED 4 image processing engine which enables a larger ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600 equivalent) though the camera still has a top continuous burst speed of 5 frames per second.

Source: Associatednews

Nikon D5300 specs, features, and price

<Nikon D5300 Couponsimg src="http://www.associatednews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/nik530.jpg">

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D5300, the first Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera to offer built-in Wi-Fi and GPS functions.

The Nikon D5300 will be available November-mid onwards across India in Black, Red and Grey color variants at an MRP of Rs. 54,450 for the body only, Rs. 59,950 with 18-55mm VR lens, and Rs. 75,950 with 18-140mm VR lens.

The Nikon D5300 features an effective pixel count of 24.2-megapixels and a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor. Measuring 125 x 98 x 76 mm (4.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches) and weighing 530 g (1 lb 2.7 oz) the D5300 is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

The D5300′s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity feature can be used for transmitting images to a smart device for sharing as well as for remote shooting.

Built-in GPS also means images can be geotagged with latitude, longitude, and altitude data, without the use of external adapters. Full HD 1080p video can now also be recorded at 60/50 fps and a new pentamirror increases viewfinder magnification to approx. 0.82x.

Speaking on the announcement, Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India said that the D5300 features Nikon's latest innovative technologies, allowing users to instantly shoot, store and share images.

Sajjan Kumar, Vice President-Imaging, Nikon India, elaborated explaining that It's also been upgraded to use the Nikon EXPEED 4 image processing engine which enables a larger ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600 equivalent) though the camera still has a top continuous burst speed of 5 frames per second.

Source: Associatednews

Nikon Unveils D5300 D-SLR With Wi-Fi

Nikon D5300 Offers-d5300.jpg?thumb=y">

Nikon didn't wait very long to update its excellent D5200 digital SLR. That camera, announced internationally last November, didn't make its U.S. debut until CES in January, and less than a year later we have its successor.

On the exterior the new D5300 is pretty much the same as its predecessor-the only notable change is an LCD that's a bit larger (3.2 inches) and sharper (1,037k dots) than the 3-inch, 921k-dot vari-angle display found on the D5200.

Despite boasting the same 24-megapixel resolution as its predecessor, the D5300's image sensor is a different design. It's the same one that is found in the D7100. That means that it omits the optical low-pass filter (OLPF). Professional medium format digital cameras have long done away with the OLPF, which saps up a bit of detail in order to eliminate the possibility of color moire appearing in images. Over the past couple years, more and more smaller format cameras have dropped the OLPF, including Nikon's own D800E and the Pentax K-5 IIs. But the D5300 is the first camera we've seen that is squarely aimed at the consumer market to take this approach.

The EXPEED 4 image processor is also new to the D5300, replacing the EXPEED 3 chip that powered the D5200. This is the first Nikon camera with this image processor, but the company promises that it will deliver improved performance in low light and faster operation overall. The native ISO range is ISO 100 through 12800, with 25600 available as an expanded option. The metering and focus systems are the same as the D5200-that gives the camera a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor for scene recognition and 39 selectable autofocus. Like its predecessor, the D5300 is rated to shoot at 5 frames per second.

The other big internal upgrade is the addition of built-in Wi-Fi. Previously Nikon D-SLR owners had to purchase the WU-1a adapter to add wireless connectivity to their cameras. This feature is built into the D5300, so you can transfer photos wirelessly to an iOS or Android device without the need for an add-on. A GPS module is also built into the camera, so your location is added to photo metadata automatically. You'll be able to look at shots on a map when using software like iPhoto or Picasa, or sharing online via a hosting service that includes a map view, like Smugmug.

The D5300 will be available in black, red, or dark gray. It's priced at $799.95 as a body only, or $1,099.95 with an 18-140mm lens. It will be available to purchase in mid-November.

This announcement comes on the heels of news of the D610, a very minor update to the full-frame D600. It's essentially the same camera, but with an improved shutter that allows for a 6fps continuous shooting rate. Many D600 owners reported that the camera has a tendency to pick up dust on the sensor after extended use. It wasn't something we saw with our review unit, and sensor dust is a common issue with all interchangeable lens cameras, but the noise that D600 owners made indicated that it was something beyond what is normally expected.

Nikon issued a service advisory for the D600 relating to the dust issue. The company is not saying that the new shutter is there to reduce the instances of dust accumulation; rather, the official line is that it improves the burst shooting rate and also introduces a new 3fps quiet continuous mode.

The D610 comes in at a $100 less than its predecessor; it's priced at $1,999.95 as a body only, and can be purchased in a kit with the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 lens for $2,599.95.

Rounding out the Nikon announcements is a new high-end prime lens. The AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G matches the focal length of the classic Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2, but its aperture isn't quite as ambitious. The new lens features the latest nanocrystal coatings, ED and aspherical elements, and an internal SWM focus motor. It's priced at $1,699.95 and will be available at the end of October.

Source: Pcmag

Nikon D5300 price and specs

<Nikon D5300 Cheapp> Date : 23 Ekim 2013 Çarşamba - 03:29, Category : TECHNOLOGY

Nikon D5300 price and specs

Nikon D5300 price and specs

Camera maker Nikon's D5300 has made quite a few heads turn with its latest specifications. It's a mid-range model, the D5300, designed for consumers looking for an everyday interchangeable-lens camera with good performance and solid image quality. The camera is also Nikon's first capable of shooting 1080p video at 60p, an important improvement for anyone looking to record quick movements.
This camera replaces the D5200, adding a new 24.2-megapixel sensor without an optical low-pass filter, an EXPEED 4 processor for 1080/60p video and 5 fps stills and boosted battery life, letting you capture about 700 shots per charge, compared to 500 with the previous model.

The D5300 is expected to hit stores later this month in black, red and grey for $1,400 with an 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens or $800 body-only. Nikon is introducing its first DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, the D5300. The new camera is an update to the D5200, and will take its place as Nikon's top-of-the-line camera for the beginner DSLR market.

Though Nikon says that the D5300′s overall improvements are iterative, they should add up to something quite meaningful: it also includes a larger, 3.2-inch articulating display; a new image-processing engine; and no low-pass filter on the camera's DX-format sensor, which should result in sharper images. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS are a first for Nikon DSLRs

The D5300 will be able to pair with Nikon's existing Android and iOS app, allowing them to view and share photos. It's not the most robust tool for remotely controlling a camera, but it's something that's easy to see as a handy option. Aside from connectivity, the D5300′s other big improvement over its predecessor should be in image sharpness.

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The Best Cosplayers of New York Comic Con 2013

This year's New York Comic Con was chock full of notable anniversaries, with The Walking Dead turning 10, Doctor Who celebrating 50 wibbly-wobbly years, and Superman ringing in at a whopping 75. But for the city's cosplayers, 2013 was the year of Harley Quinn. It could be because she's getting her very own series next month, or maybe people just like carrying around giant mallets. But whatever the reason, the Maiden of Mischief was well represented.

Characters from BioShock, Borderlands and Adventure Time mingled with Deadpools, Lokis, and Jokers. The costumes nyc ranged from the pragmatic, like the Harley who used her hollow bat as a purse, to the wildly impractical, like the guy in the dinosaur outfit that had to be guided around by a handler. Most were as impressive for their commitment to the characters as their ingenuity and DIY spirit.

Here, some of the best costumes from New York Comic Con.

Click an image to see it full size. To move to the next image, click on the image or use the right arrow key.

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Source: Pastemagazine

In Ak-Sar-Ben Ball, seamstresses, announcer play important roles

<martialp>Members of the Court of Quivira will be on display in all their finery on Saturday night at the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball. But some VIPs work quietly behind the scenes to make sure all goes well. Their jobs began months ago as they started preparing for the big night.

***

What's cuter than a 7- or 8-year-old dressed up in a floppy hat, tights and a frilly costume? And who has more energy?

While the Royal Court sedately marches down the aisle during the opening ceremonies at the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball, pages skip and run as only second- and third-graders can. Each is wearing a costume that may have been worn by dozens of other children over the years.

The design of the costumes hasn't changed since pages became part of the ball 116 years ago. And for close to half that time, neither have some of the costumes.

"The oldest costumes are at least 40 or 50 years old," said Merrily Boler, who, with her neighbor Judy Glesne, alters the pages' clothing to fit.

"They used to sew a tag in each garment with the page's name. Kids now come in and say, 'That's my dad or that's my aunt,'" said Glesne, who is a family and consumer science teacher at Millard North High School. "Part of the charm of the costumes is the history."

By the time they get out of their costumes and back into their own dress-up clothing the night of the ball, the pages have worn their decorative outfits for 20 minutes at the most.

But in the eyes of some parents, those may be the most important 20 minutes of the year. Parents see their child cleaned up, dressed up and on their best behavior. They see them participating in a ritual that is meaningful to Omaha families who are being saluted for service to their communities.

"The boys are very excited. The little girls are delighted. Their eyes light up when they get to see the costumes," said Boler, who taught home economics when Omaha Tech High School was open. "But the moms are totally thrilled."

Sometimes finding a costume in the storage room that fits becomes impossible. Consider the tall grade-school basketball player who was a page one year. "We had to make him a new costume," she said.

Over the decades, costumes become tattered. That's when Boler and Glesne, who have been Ak-Sar-Ben page clothiers for 10 years, create new ones. Unlike the original costumes that are silk and hand-sewn, new garments are made with polyester satin.

There's more to the job than fitting pages. Some reluctant boys and girls have to be coaxed into wearing the garb.

"Sometimes we use bribery, praise and encouragement," Glesne said. "They are taught the protocol of that night. Comb your hair and be on your best behavior."

And there is comic relief. "Boys are putting costumes on backward and buttoning in front instead of back," she said. "Pants are falling off."

***

After everything else - the national anthem, the promenade, the speeches, the musical production numbers - comes the evening's highlight. That's when Jeffrey Taxman, Quivira's prime minister, takes the stage for his long-awaited announcement of the identities of the queen and king.

Even he doesn't know their names until that night. "I receive that last page of my script just minutes before they're announced."

Kenneth Glenn, archbishop of Quivira, places crowns on the heads of the king and queen while Taxman introduces each. Both monarchs receive a ring.

In the script that Taxman reads, he tells the king: "On your finger, we place this ring, a symbol of your sovereignty." For the queen, he reads: "As a symbol of the encircling love of court and country, upon your finger we place this ring."

Taxman could very well wish mazel tov (good luck in Yiddish) to the Royal Court, a lyric from one of his favorite roles as Tevye in the musical "Fiddler on the Roof." He most recently performed in the Omaha Playhouse production of "Enron."

The Omaha native moved back to his hometown in 1980 after working in the financial services sector in New York City. He is president of Physicians Financial Structures Inc. in Omaha.

Taxman first's ball as prime minister was in 1989, making this ball his 25th in the role. Ten years ago, Taxman also began announcing introductions at the Royal Court brunch held months prior to the event.

"Ak-Sar-Ben has been part of our family culture for a long time," Taxman said. "It is one of the great city celebrations."

The Ak-Sar-Ben family tradition began with Taxman's grandfather, Harry Trustin, who was active in the civic organization. Trustin was president of the Omaha City Council for more than 30 years and an author of Omaha's city charter.

Taxman's mother, Barbara, was a page in 1939 and a princess in 1950. Taxman was a page in 1961 and has served on the Men's Floor Committee. His brother, Tom, was an escort and, in 1964, the king's crown bearer.

"My parents met at the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Ball in 1950 when my mother was a princess," Taxman said. "My father's mother strongly suggested that he ask her out."

In the tradition of Ak-Sar-Ben families, Taxman's wife, Sherry, is an active volunteer. They have four children.

Taxman has had quite a run with 25 years as prime minister. The script for the coronation ends with the phrase: "Long live the kingdom." Perhaps Ak-Sar-Ben should add: "Long live the prime minister."

* * * *

The 117th annual Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball

When: Saturday at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Doors open at 8 p.m. The coronation production begins at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: General admission is $25 per person. Tickets include the coronation performance, dancing at the ball and a donation to the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund. Business attire is suggested for general seating; black tie/formal gowns are optional.

Information: Call the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation at 402-554-9600, ext. 106, or email eisermans@aksarben.org through Friday. Tickets also may be purchased, cash or check only, the night of the event at CenturyLink.

Source: Omaha

New products: Disco Jam speakers bring the party

This weekly roundup takes a look at the practical and sometimes quirky aspects of tech products.

DISCO JAM GETS THE PARTY STARTED

At first you might think you are playing with a time travel machine that has taken you back to the flashy days of disco. But then you'll realize that the disco ball lights are part of the Disco Jam Stereo Speaker System. A flashy device that's sure to get your party started, the 600-watt Disco Jam from Pyle Audio can deliver big sound through a two-way PA speaker system via its FM radio or a connected Bluetooth device while its Disco Ball lights up the room with flashing colors. Equipped with a 10-inch sub-woofer and three 5-inch tweeters, the portable system includes a USB port, a display screen, an audio jack and microphone inputs. Although the system has a list price of about $465, it can be purchased online for closer to $220.

The EZ PRO DJ deck starts at $50.(Photo: JAKKS Pacific)

PRETEND DJS CAN MIX AND LOOP

Don't have room, not to mention the budget, for a professional DJ setup? With the help of a high-tech toy that's about the size of small skateboard, you can play with your favorite playlists. Designed for kids ages 8 and up, the EZ PRO DJ deck from JAKKS Pacific lets you loop, mix and sample songs stored on your favorite Apple device. Using the device's free app, you can experiment with songs, adding beats and mixing up the tunes on your iPhone, iPad or 5s iphone ipod cases for girls at walmart touch. Just be forewarned that the resulting sounds aren't always easy on the ears. (An app for Android devices will be released in October.) Priced at about $50, the battery-operated deck includes two spinning "turntables,'' an audio jack and sample, loop, crossfade and scratch controls.

The Privates Headphones from Outdoor Tech start at $100.(Photo: Outdoor Tech)

TOUCH CONTROLS SET HEADPHONES APART

Why do some modern headphones still look like the big and bulky ones that World War II bomber pilots used to wear? Go figure. But the new touch-control Privates Headphones from Outdoor Tech are comfortably compact - and wireless as well. The cleverly designed headphones sport a touchpad on the right earpiece that lets you adjust the volume with a finger swipe up or down and switch tracks with a finger swipe to either side. Equipped with wireless Bluetooth technology, the headphones can stream audio to your device. When the headphone's battery runs out, you can continue listening via the headphone's 3.5mm audio jack. Plus, a built-in microphone allows you to wirelessly make and receive phone calls. When it's time to pack up, the headphones can be folded up and stashed inside a bag. Priced at $100, the headphones deliver serviceable, albeit not stellar, audio, making them a handy option when convenience is more important than sound quality.

M-Edge's tablet cases start at $80 for the 7-inch tablet case and $100 for the 10-inch tablet case.(Photo: M-Edge)

UNIVERSAL CASE KEEPS TABLETS SAFE

Your tablet has a rough life. You stuff it in your backpack. You take it to the park. You drop it. So, your device probably needs all the protection it can get. That's where two tablet cases from M-Edge come into the picture. Designed to fit 7-inch and 10-inch devices, the universal Stealth Pro Keyboard cases feature a removable Bluetooth keyboard and a stand that can position the tablets at different angles. A case that provides protection for 7-inch tablets costs $80 while a case for 10-inch tablets is $100.

E-mail new product suggestions to techporterfield@gmail.com.
Source: Usatoday

Unofficial iPhone 5s tracker helps customers find gold

Summary: An inventory tracker was developed by an enterprising Apple developer looking for the fabled gold iPhone 5s iphone cases lifeproof belt clip.

Remember the rumor that Apple was going to update its Apple Store app to include real-time iPhone inventory status? Well, it never came to pass, at least the way I imagined.

In 2008 a developer built an iPhone 3G tracker by scraping the Apple Store's JSON data feed (Apple quickly pulled the feed). Then in 2009 Apple posted an official iPhone 3GS tracker that was updated hourly and linked to its sales system.

Unfortunately, it's 2013 and the current implementation is incredibly obtuse and difficult to use. There's no simple chart that simply shows where to find an iPhone 5s in stock. It's a huge step backwards from 2009.

To find an iPhone 5s near you, you need to go to Apple's buy page, click on the configuration you want, then click on the tiny blue "check availability" link in the right navigation bar. From there, you can enter your zip code to see availability at five stores at a time, for that configuration. If you want to check another color or configuration, you need to start over.

Enter iPhone-Check by Mordy Tikotzky (@Tikotzky), an Apple Developer from NJ.

Frustrated with not being able to find a gold iPhone 5c for his wife he build a slick iPhone tracker that scrapes store.apple.com for the most up to date iPhone 5s inventory information.

According to Tikotzky iPhone-Check started as a little project running on his local computer and then he decided to share it with the world. Tikotzky wrote it in an hour (using expressjs.com on top of nodejs.org) with the support of his employer (@homeandstone) who let him do it on their time. He spent another two hours tweaking it in the evening.

iPhone-Check must be scratching an itch. The site broke 100k unique visitors Wednesday and has topped 1 million page views since it was launched less than a week ago. It's a shame that Apple couldn't offer a proper iPhone tracker, because clearly there's demand.

Now where all these gold iPhones I keep hearing about?

Source: Zdnet

This May Be The Worst Timed Google Doodle Ever

<halloween animated figuresp>Bad timing, Google.

Google is celebrating Yosemite National Park's 123rd birthday with a Doodle on the same day that Yosemite and other national parks are being temporarily closed due to the government shutdown.

The federal government partially shut down at midnight on Tuesday after President Barack Obama and Senate Democrats refused to give in to House Republicans' demands to curtail the president's signature health care law.

More than 800,000 government employees will be forced not to work until a decision is made on the budget. National parks, monuments, and museums are closed starting Tuesday until further notice.

So if we can't celebrate the anniversary of Yosemite's opening by visiting the park, we can at least commemorate it by visiting Google's homepage.

Source: Huffingtonpost

Parents and grandparents scare up amazing costumes for Bay Ridge's Ragamuffin Parade

<halloween witch costumes for kidsimg src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1468700.1380313930!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/ragamuffin29f-11-web.jpg">

Andrew Schwartz For New York Daily News

While most kids spent the summer eating ice cream, 2-year old Gianna Solitario was getting fitted for an ice cream cone Halloween costume.

She'll sport the sweet ensemble at Saturday's Ragamuffin Parade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where kids compete in a costume contest before marching up Third Ave. in their ghoulish garb.

Gianna already has an edge over other contestants. Her grandparents, Bob and Marianne Fezza, are six-time grand prize costume winners in the annual parade. And they've been crafting their grandkids' ice cream truck prop and matching outfits for almost two months.

"Every year, we try to outdo ourselves from the previous year," says Marianne, 53, whose daughter Jillian won as a child for elaborate getups like a heart-shaped box of Valentine's chocolates and a Chinese takeout box.

Now they dress Jillian's kids. "It's more time-consuming than anything else, but we're really into arts and crafts, and the kids love it," says Marianne.

While the event sees its share of off-the-rack Elmos and superheroes, many parents and grandparents pride themselves on making their kids' Halloween outfits from scratch.

Bob, 66, is transforming discarded cardboard and foam from the warehouse where he works into a bright blue ice cream truck with working LED headlamps.

Marianne's making an ice cream cap for Gianna from foam, and transforming a felt cupcake costume the tot wore last Halloween into the cone. Gianna's brother Sean, 5, will wear a white suit as the ice cream man.

"Oh my heavens!" Sean gasps, staring at his truck. His Batman costume (and the cardboard Batmobile they built around his bike) won last year.

"I need another piece of cardboard to shore up the bumper," sniffs Bob, a perfectionist.

Three generations of the Fezza family have marched in the parade, which began in 1967 when the Our Lady of Angels church invited kids from neighboring parishes to parade up Third Ave. dressed in their parents' old clothes.

Source: Nydailynews

PHOTOS: This Is What You Need To Be For Halloween

Our favorite holiday will be here before we know it. And in order to be able to enjoy all of the pumpkin carving, trick or treating, candy eating, and spooking that comes with halloween kids wigs, we need to get one very important decision out of the way -- and that's choosing what we're dressing up as, of course.

To make it a little easier, our friends at HGTV featured the most adorable DIY Halloween costumes for the whole family that you can get started on this weekend. You'll be surprised at how easy they are to make. For example, that plain grey sweatsuit you wear as pajamas can be whipped into a pretty scary looking shark-inspired outfit by sewing on a little pointed-tooth trim and some eyes. Need some inspiration to get you started? Click through the slideshow of ideas below and head back to HGTV for even more.

Have something to say? Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.
Source: Huffingtonpost

Indie games unlikely on Xbox One before 2014

Microsoft doesn't expect the first wave of indie games to launch on Xbox One until 2014. However, Phil Harrison, corporate vice president of the firm's interactive entertainment business in Europe, also told GamesIndustry that Microsoft has had "an avalanche of interest from all corners of the globe" since it finally outlined its strategy for indie games on the console last month.

"I don't think we're going to see things at launch," Harrison said. "I don't think it's realistic to see a developer get the programme and build a game and get it into the market on November 22. It's reasonable to expect in early 2014 we'll start seeing the first games come through."

Microsoft's Independent Developers @ Xbox programme will allow registered studios to use all of Xbox One's features, from cloud services, Kinect, Achievements, challenges and Xbox Live multiplayer to automatic Game DVR video recording and uploading. The self-publishing programme also eschews certification and title update fees. Harrison also reiterated that, down the line, Microsoft plans to let any Xbox One console serve as a development kit, further opening the market to small studios and hobbyist creators.

"We're working through applications and creating that dialogue with developers," he said. "As we said at the time, we have phase one where we give away development kits and loan them to the teams that inevitably will have to pass some kind of a qualification to justify a limited number of dev kits being given to them. That process is ongoing. Eventually our goal is that every retail Xbox One console becomes a dev kit. And then we open up to the widest possible audience."

Xbox One will be released in 13 markets on November 22, 2013. The console will be priced at £430 / $500 / €500 and will have 23 launch games.

Source: Gamesradar

Week 3 May See The Return Of Heath Miller To Steelers Lineup

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't taking their 0-2 start in the 2012 NFL season well. After two heartbreaking losses, the Steelers have spent this week making some changes, and Todd Haley looks ready to shake things up in the offense. News that tight end Heath Miller will be back in the lineup on Sunday against the 2-0 Chicago Bears is good news in itself. The promise of more zone blocking from the offensive line, something the team had mostly deviated from in their first two games, may give life to a nearly non-existent rushing game. Felix Jones has been elevated on the roster to the starting running back. Although they are still not on firm ground, the Steelers will push to give themselves a new image on the turf at Heinz Field in Week Three.

Haley was vocal about the disappointment shared by the team in his meeting with the media on Thursday. "We are frustrated," said Haley. "We have a chance this week to get to 1-2. We've had a good couple of days." His explanation about where the team should be and isn't was summarized, "It's the NFL. It's hard to win when you have turnovers in plus territory, and run the ball inefficiently for too much of the game...we have to make sure we don't let it continue to happen."

At this point, the Steelers are still a team that has a running game by committee, but that could change Sunday. After a good performance by Felix Jones, who had 10 rushes for 37 yards while everyone struggled, the coaching staff took notice. "(Jones) found the holes that were there. We need to do a better job of creating some space for him because he does look like he has some ability if we can get him into some space," said Haley.

The zone blocking scheme that should allow more holes for Jones will have to be a priority for the offensive line. That will require some mental toughness from an offensive line that has yet to show any start quality after losing center Maurkice Pouncey.

Heath Miller was a full participant in practices this week and is likely to get his first playing time of the 2013 season. It will come down to how his knee feels on game day. After leading the team in receptions in 2012, his appearance, even if on the sideline, should give the Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, an emotional boost.

Rookie running back Le'Veon Bell also participated in practices this week, and although he is not likely to be fully ready to play, has shown the ambition to get back to that level. Once he is healthy, his addition to the roster should give the Steelers more offensive weapons.
The only player for the Steelers who will likely be out for Sunday's game is cornerback Cortez Allen. Allen has not been able to participate in practices this week or last due to an ankle injury.

Dick LeBeau expects the Steelers defense to be able to contain Bears running back Matt Forte after two games in which they did not stop the run effectively. When asked about Forte, LeBeau said, "He is an experienced, talented back and he can do everything."

Expounding on how the Steelers need to deal with his style of play, LeBeau added, "He's one of those backs you have to stop. He's really an excellent player, maybe an underrated player."

Although both Brett Keisel and Jarvis Jones had some limited time in practice this week, both are expected to be on the field come gametime.

Probable:

• Cornerback Curtis Brown (illness)
• Defensive End Brett Keisel (calf)
• Linebacker Jarvis Jones (heel)
• Defensive Tackle Steve McLendon (hamstring)
• Tight end Heath Miller (knee)

Questionable:

Running back Le'Veon Bell (foot)

Out:

Cornerback Cortez Allen (ankle)

Fantasy Outlook:

The Steelers still have a long road ahead of them. If you have a two running backs league, starting Felix Jones would be a viable option this week. He is sure to get carries. It is the amount of yardage that may not equate to a lot of fantasy points. The Steelers defense looks to be at full strength and is ready to get a start on your fantasy roster. A usually steady Roethlisberger has been a fantasy-killer the past two weeks but looks to rebound Sunday.

Christina Rivers has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers and National Football League professionally as a reporter and photographer for over a decade. Rivers studied exercise physiology and sports psychology at Brigham Young University as a student-athlete. Christina is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. Her work can be found on
Examiner.com.

Source: CBS Pittsburgh

GuitarJack 2 USB from Sonoma Wire Works review

Hello, all you axe wielding, string picking, amp maxing. It's time for another guitar related review, this time for the GuitarJack 2 USB connector from Sonoma Wire Works.

The GuitarJack 2 has a mini USB input on the front and inputs on the sides for 1/4" instrument in, 1/8" microphone in and 1/8" headphones out. Also in the box are 2 cables: 1 x 32" male USB to male mini USB and 1 x 4.5" male mini USB to female USB.

Since the GuitarJack 2 does not have an iDevice port on the front (the original version did) I needed to use an iPad camera connection kit, which I found out my iPod Touch does not support. Okay, plan B. I besought the benevolence of my editor in chief, and yea though he is wroth when disturbed, he did verily grant great beneficence when I did ask, "May I use your iPad?" to which hid most nobly replied, "Yeah, sure."

The iPad objected to the power drain, but it worked just fine. The guitar was jacked into the GuitarJack 2, the mini USB was plugged into the GuitarJack 2 and the USB end was plugged into the iPad camera adapter (which, of course, was plugged into the iPad). Lastly, I plugged some headphones into the GuitarJack 2 to check the output. Once the many connections were in place, we fired up a music app and started playing. The sound was clean and the latency was negligible. There is a little signal degradation, which is to be expected with all the connections, but it was insignificant. The output from the iPad and the headphones was descent - the difference in the sound quality was due to the innate properties of the speakers.

We also tested the rig through a Mac, and the signal was strong and clean. If you need to plug in, record and manipulate audio, this adapter does a respectable job of getting you connected and delivering good signal. If you are an Apple rogue and you want to plug in to your PC, this unit works Windows XP/7/8.

The up-sides of this unit are the construction and size. Sonoma Wire Works produces this unit in the USA (always good to see), and the connector is machined from durable materials and assembled to be a solid piece of gear. The unit is only 2.375" square and has four small rubber feet to help keep it from sliding around.

One of the down-sides is the mini USB port on the front which requires extra cables/connectors/adapters and rendered my iPod touch unusable. I think the iPort version might have been better, but we didn't try that one out so we can't be sure. The other concern is the cost, which is $199.00 (currently at a $129.00 sale price on the manufacturer's site); a bit on the high side.

As always with guitar gear, list what you want/need and compare your options. This unit gets a 3 at its normal price-good quality, but the connections and expense don't make it a must-have piece of gear.

Provides: Guitar input for mobile devices and computer
Developer: Sonoma Wire Works
Price: $199.00
Availability: Now

Source: Technologytell